Operations Director – Project Management

Overview

In this role you will lead a major Defence programme from our Defence team, driving strategic direction and high‑impact delivery across multiple project streams. You will ensure governance, value, and quality align with client objectives while maintaining safety and compliance in air systems environments. You will partner with senior leaders and Defence stakeholders to grow the portfolio and drive continuous improvement, innovation, and data‑driven decision making. This is a high‑visibility role that shapes programme outcomes and client relationships at scale.

Pay / Benefits

• Car allowance
• Hybrid working
• Medical health cover
• Life insurance
• Income protection insurance
• Pension scheme

Responsibilities

• Deliver a major Defence programme in Preston with strategic direction across multiple project teams
• Act as senior client contact, building trusted relationships with Defence, industry partners and programme leadership
• Drive operational excellence, safety, efficiency and compliance with contractual, regulatory and security requirements
• Manage multidisciplinary project management teams, develop capability and resource strategies
• Provide executive oversight of commercial performance, controls, risk management and delivery assurance
• Support business growth through account development and strategic client relationships
• Champion innovation, digital delivery and continuous improvement to boost performance and outcomes
• Collaborate with senior leaders to align delivery with Defence priorities and long‑term capability objectives

Key requirements

• Proven track record delivering major projects/programmes or client accounts in PM, construction, infrastructure or consultancy
• Experience managing large multidisciplinary teams with significant accountability
• Strong commercial acumen: financial management, procurement, contract admin, profit plans, risk/opportunity management
• Exceptional stakeholder management, negotiation and presentation skills to influence executives
• Experience developing strategic business relationships and securing project outcomes
• Degree qualification in PM, Construction, Engineering or related discipline with substantial leadership experience
• Professional membership with MCIOB, MAPM, MRICS, MICE or equivalent
• Experience driving innovation, digital delivery, sustainability and net zero initiatives on large projects (£500m+)

• Stakeholder management
• Communication and negotiation
• Strategic thinking
• Project controls
• Risk and opportunity management
• Financial management and procurement strategies

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